Working with any type of model, I find such a pleasure, as a modeling shoot, is something different to the fun and energetic family shoots we have going on here. It’s a bit more posed, and instead of getting the very cute and natural expressions and smiles children has to give, it’s all about getting the very best side of the subject, and making them look fabulous.

We play a lot with light in out modeling shoots, and if it works in the photo, most things go. If you know the rules, you are more than allowed to break them, and we have found that a modeling shoot, gives the photographer a huge amount of freedom, because you can get creative, and create shadows where you might want them, or put light into certain places to accentuate that feature.

There are many opportunities for all forms of modeling, whether it be in advertisements, or photographically, or by becoming a catwalk model, and it all starts with a good portfolio, photos that show a bit of who you are, and your skill of posing and taking guidance from the photographer. Start with a great portfolio with our studio, we shall give you a great product to be proud of.

Yolandi Jacobsz & Riani Labuschagne

Artistic modeling photography

A boudoir shoot, is such an amazing shoot we like to do, for various reason. It firstly gets us to delve into this artistic side of us which we actually like to explore as much as we get the chance. It’s also such a technical shoot, because the photographer moves and shift’s the light constantly, to basically – what looks awesome in the shot. Everyone is differently built and has different features, and we use the medium that defies this profession – light, to make all the most stunning features, pop in the image.

It’s the most amazing tool, and we get as excited about it, as kids’ do at Christmas time, because we get to create, as every photographer is inherently the artist, and to create and make magic happen, even if through our little camera machines, is a joy we get to experience, and which can’t be explained to others, it’s that passion that gets to burn like fire.

A boudoir shoot makes some of the best abilities we have come forward, as we strive to make the woman brave enough to had come for the shoot, as comfortable as possible, and it makes us use our equipment, to create images that will take her breath away, and ultimately absolutely the loved one she did the shoot for in the first place.

Yolandi Jacobsz & Riani Labuschagne

 Sexy boudoir photography

Over the years we have had the privilege to take photos for literally hundreds of families, a lot of who are return customers and we really strive to give them a professionally unique product which they can cherish (and scrapbook J )

This specific family is very close to my heart as I have known them for quite a few years and I have very special memories pertaining to each and every one of them.  Some taught me how to play darts and others just always look after my wellbeing no matter what.  Over time I have found being a photographer is like a wildfire, as you learn and grow a lot from within your own respective friend and family units to make your art what it is.  There is always someone willing to spend an afternoon posing for you (in the beginning while you are still learning), advising you on what they like and dislike and why – to such an extent that it sometimes influences your work and for this I am grateful.

Now with this in mind imagine taking photos for these very people who have helped shape your art into what it is and you have an idea of how proud it makes us feel have them in our studio’s…

Guys, I loved spending time with you in the studio (again) and I just want to say how grateful I am for having you in my life J

Riani Labuschagne

Family Photoshoots

We had a wonderful opportunity recently to photograph an important Muslim event, called a Walima. The Walima is held the day after the actual official ceremony of a wedding, and a great deal of the families who got married, friends and family are invited. People originating from the east has a very colourful and elaborate way of dressing  up, and we enjoyed their beautiful sari’s, Punjabi’s and dresses so much.

A lot of planning and effort goes into events, and a décor- and colour scheme is usually chosen to create a certain atmosphere. This event was so stunningly put together and the hall looked beautiful and colorful, such as the people attending as well. We always make sure to photograph the small little details and the décor, as we know the couple and the family, who put together the lovely event, want to remember the day in the best possible way. Most events are held in arenas or halls, and it’s usually a bit darker inside these rooms. The photographer must have high-end professional cameras to be able to capture the details without blur, and still retain quality. We always pride ourselves on using quality equipment, and providing a service to our clients that give them the best possible product, that will make them remember their event in a visually spectacular way.

Yolandi Jacobsz & Riani Labuschagne

Walima Photos

Taking photos of newborn babies have taught me many things over the years…

 Patience is the first and foremost, take everything you have had in your life to teach you patience and multiply it by 5!  I have learnt that the best way to capture the innocence of a newborn baby is to forget about what you have got to do and just tap into their rhythm.  If they want to feed and you want to shoot, you will soon realize the error of your ways J  Happy baby, happy photographer and memories for parents to treasure!

Feeding in between truly does soother your baby in such a way that they cope much better with the experience of giving you wonderful photos.

A warm cozy environment is the second lesson.  Even though you as the photographer feel like you are in a sauna your little model is very snug and relaxed because of the heat, so make sure that you regulate the temperature for them.

It’s the little things that count, so do heat your hands before you touch the baby as they tend to be a lot more keen on being moved and tilted around.

And don’t forget to enjoy this little miracle!

Riani Labuschagne & Yolandi Jacobsz

Newborn baby photos

We just loved the Bogatsu family! They had such fun, and their little one was an extremely friendly 2-year old, with a dashing smile, and lots of giggles. It’s not always that we get this lucky, as little people rule the world, and when they do not feel like smiling, they will certainly not. Still, it is very much the photographer’s responsibility to engage with your clients. Most people are not inherently comfortable in front of the camera, and could feel very overwhelmed when they get on the big white backdrop.

But when you talk to them some, and get them to open a bit about their family life and the unique dynamic that makes their family them, most people feel a bit more familiar with you, and great images start to happen. With our shoots we aim to always have magic happen in front of our eyes, and there is few things as precious as a little kid giving their ear-to-ear smile, and you know it’s earnest and sincere, because small children give the world their honest selves.

We’ll always try and make your family feel comfortable, and show you that our shoots, is a fun experience, something you’ll remember in years to come, and we’ll do everything but about stand on our heads to get our little people to give us some smiles.

Yolandi Jacobsz & Riani Labuschagne

Studio Family Photos in JHB

When you know that professional photographers are able to use their lighting and equipment to create stunning images of people, you know the need we all have just to have great photos taken of ourselves. Many of us would say but we’re not professional models, and we wouldn’t know how to pose like professional models.

When we have enquiries about a portfolio shot, or someone just wanting to have good, professional photos taken of themselves, a shoot other than a family shoot, then we always assure them, that anyone can make a great “model”, and with good guidance from the photographer the person is transformed, and we get to capture some amazing and captivating images.

Modeling, and doing it for a profession, isn’t for everyone, and many people don’t even want that lifestyle, but we all know that nothing beats a great photo, and it’s a huge ego-boost, to see yourself shown in the most positive of ways, when a photographer does their magic, and makes of you something extraordinary.

Come and have a portfolio photo shoot at Louise Diesel Photography, The Real Life Studio.

Yolandi Jacobsz & Riani Labuschagne

Modeling photoshoot